The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) expresses outrage and disappointment that any company would think it appropriate to hire and portray any individual who has become synonymous with mockery of sign language interpreting based on his extremely offensive actions at the funeral of Nelson Mandela. Livelens has obviously chosen to use Thamsanqa Jantjie, a proven imposter, in an effort to draw attention to its product. If there ever was an occasion to shun and boycott a company and its products on the basis of its offensive conduct, this is it. We strongly urge Livelens to immediately remove this offending commercial. The NAD encourages everyone to send emails to [email protected] educating this company on respecting all cultures including that of the signing community.
